Sports Blog: A.J.'s Angle Rays have Plenty to Play for

September 30, 2009 Plenty to Play for

No title defense. No playoffs. Many Rays fans around me have thrown in the towel on this final week, and even month, of 2009. How quickly we forget, is what I say to that. Having never had a winning season before jettisoning to last year's World Series, the Rays have now secured their second straight plus 500 year, the first such feat in team history. I think some people, too quick to criticize this team for falling short, need to put into perspective what this team has really accomplished. Yes, this season was a disappointment because we all know this team was better than the 82 wins it currently totes. September wasn't pretty. Ouch is more like it. But this final week, Carl Crawford stole his career high 60th base, and Ben Zobrist is closing in on becoming the 3rd Ray ever to hit 30 HRs. Even if Zorilla doesn't make it, 26 is pretty nice # from your utility guy. James Shields just pitched a complete game through eight in a 4th straight win. B.J. Upton has found his bat and glove. And if anyone hasn't noticed, Evan Longoria has had a darn solid season the whole time (280 AVG, 32 HR, 110 RBI, 363 OBP, 525 SLG). All I see is this team coming back strong, mad, and ready for revenge to start 2010.

Supporting your team now is the difference between being a real fan or just a fair weather drifter. Many gladly jumped on the bandwagon in '08. Nothing hard or persevering about that. Who wouldn't? The Rays were trendy with Maddon's mod glasses, cool logo, an underdog status, and even showing up in country songs. But that's not being a real fan. Frankly, it's weak. I'm not trying to sound like a homer. I wasn't a Rays fan when I moved here. But covering them year after year, I see commitment and I applaud effort. I will always cheer for that. The Rays will never get the respect of the Red Sox and the Yankees faithful until they consistently exhibit their very own nation, supporting them rain or shine, here in Tampa Bay. Real fans show what they're made of and will show up for this final Yankees series to close out a winning season. Let's hope they do.

May 3, 2009 One Sweet Series

If ever a team needed to win a series, the Rays needed to win this one. Not just because it was against their arch-rival Boston Red Sox, and not just because they hadn't won a series in a month... but for what it shows is going on from the inside out. I liked everything I saw in this one, from taking three of four, to scoring thirty runs in four days, to MLB record tying Carl Crawford's six stolen bases. I say they're coming together after working the kinks out in April.

April 30, 2009 Rays Recovering?

The Rays were glad to be home and it showed. Like how. They certainly seemed to take the first step to getting back on track against the Red Sox Thursday night. Plenty to like in Matt Garza's fire-ballin' stellar start and those 13 runs. Or maybe it was just their streaking arch-rival Red Sox that did it. "Whenever we play anyone in the A.L. East, the intensity gets picked up a little bit," says third baseman Evan Longoria. "Being back home, in combination with the Red Sox coming in, is something we need right now."

No matter how this series unfolds, says utilityman Ben Zobrist, don't forget this team is full of fighters. They know what they must do. "Just believe that this team is definately a great team," says Zobrist. "And the wins will come, it's not about that. It's about playing our game. And if we do that, we will be successful."

April 25, 2009 Another Quarterback?

So many needs, so many directions the Bucs could have gone scouting that first round pick for 2009. It wasn't just a first round pick, mind you, but legitimately, the first imprint of "Raheem's Regime." That in itself may turn out to add more weight to this move than one can imagine. Of course, time will tell... but the mark of striking a quarterback with the 17th overall pick on his first NFL Draft Day as head coach (adding a 5th to his roster) is not exactly impressing the Bucs' faithful.

Wide receivers Ike Hilliard and Joey Galloway are gone... the secondary is suspect... and does anyone know who the starting left end will be? Yet the Bucs picked a quarterback, and moved up to get him- giving up their 2nd round pick (a usual great spot to find depth and latent starters). Don't get me wrong, Josh Freeman has great size at 6-5, 248 pounds. It is one of his biggest strengths along with a powerful arm and good mobility. But his weaknesses - as the projected best QB left on the table in Round 1- are concerning: accuracy and decision making. He didn't exactly lead Kansas State to any pinnacle. This makes him a very talented, but raw and uncut project at best. Teaching a poor decision maker to handle NFL defenses isn't impossible but will no doubt take time. He has the tools, but a starter in 2009 with the season opener four months away? I don't see it. Then again, if Raheem, who has a history with him at K-State, does see it... and somehow makes it happen, he will truly earn the NFL coaching stripes he desperately needs to lead Bucs' fans back to those season ticket lines. Nevertheless, it's going to be fun to watch.

April 23, 2009 Tribute to HK

I want to welcome back my friend Todd Kalas to the Rays broadcast this week in Seattle. Todd's been gone the past week after the passing of his father, Harry, the legendary voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. My condolences go out to his entire family. Harry died earlier this month of heart disease at the age of 73.

Anyone who grew up in southern Pennsylvania, like I did, knew that Harry Kalas wasn't just the voice of the Phillies, he was the Phillies. Sure, there was Mike Jack Schmidt and all the on field stars we followed... But for listeners, Harry was the show. I remember, as a kid, that I knew his voice before I knew who he was, before kids cared about knowing those kinds of things. Harry Kalas was an absolute; when the Phillies were on the radio, that smooth buttery voice would keep you locked on every play.

I had the pleasure of finally meeting Harry through Todd during 2008 World Series. I now treasure that picture I have with him, grateful for this special symbol of my home state's baseball history.

Click here for a two USA Today writers' tributes to Harry.

March 23, 2009 Springin' back in Action

Are we really talking about baseball again? Fine with me. With a struggling NHL team in town, Rays spring training more than deserves the spotlight. The first ever sold out spring season is about to wrap up in newly christened Port Charlotte and it's time to throw the predictions out there... I say they're going back to the playoffs. Easily. From what I see on my trips south, there's not a thing missing from last year that they haven't compensated in some way for this year. Adding DH Pat Burrell as a right handed bat seems brilliant. Percy swears he's healed. Hallelujah! Yes, I know, we'll have to wait and see how this thing can mesh... but that's the most exciting part. Bring on Boston April 6.

January 28, 2009 NFL Experience

I've covered two other Super Bowls with NFL Experiences and I have to say, this 2009 version beats all. It seems they just get bigger every year. If "ginormous" has become a word, it describes it. There is so much to see milling around this huge interactive gaming complex, there's no way people from all ages can't keep themself entertained for a few hours. It's definately worth checking out. First, you must find a place to park!

Wednesday was kids only day sponsored by NFL PLAY 60, the league's stay active campaign that brought more than two thousand kids into the Experience. To see Bucs' safety Jeramine Phillips drenched in sweat from rolling around with each group that rolled through his station was impressive. How many players, let alone people, would take that kind of time and put so much effort into an event appearance? He could have signed autographs and gave advice, but he rolled his sleeves up, jumped in, and gave the kids a memory they'll probably never forget. It speaks volumes about the commitment some of these players really have in truly being the role models we need to see.

The NFL Experience reopens to the general public Thursday morning. It costs $18.50 for adults and $12.50 for kids under 12.

January 27, 2009 Media Day Mania

Thousands of cameras and a mass of microphones... once again it's all good in another round of Super Bowl media day mania. Former players, current players, interviewing each other with entertainment reporters and stars mingling through the fray, media day is a quirky event in the events leading up to any Super Bowl. Amazingly, while there are tons of football questions, often this annual scene has nothing to do with football as it has to do with the flash of celebrity, the crush of questions, and all the first-timers sitting back and just taking it all in. This was actually my third Super Bowl media day in my career and I say it was rather mild compared to the huge stage in San Diego when I covered the Broncos win over the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. Some of the Steelers agreed today's session was pretty laid back compared to Detroit in Super Bowl XL. Their biggest complaint? The scorching heat. Bottom line, the ultimate challenge is the same no matter how many times either team has been here. And not being googly-eyed at Media Day is the first step. So at least for today, the rookie Cards showed us they're hanging tough. I say they pull even with the Steelers in this media contest.

January 26, 2009 Arizona Arrives

With my teammate Justin Allen on the Pittsburgh Steelers beat as both teams arrived in Tampa for Super Bowl XLIII today, I was stationed at the Arizona Cardinals' headquarters at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa. As we waited for the team to arrive at the media center behind the complex, I was struck by the lack of Super Bowl decor in an area that will be most seen by television cameras. There were big banners on the front of the hotel, but nothing in the back where interviews take place. If you didn't know it, you'd think the huge tents were just a big wedding reception. But the lack of pomp and circumstance didn't seem to phase the Cardinals, who made it a point to say that even though they appreciate the opportunity to be a part of club history, they're refusing to become overwhelmed by their first trip to the big show.

"Really, it comes back to the type of players that we have," says Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt. "They've done a very good job of handling it so far even though this week it steps up a notch. I don't anticipate that there will be any issues."

I was more than impressed with the schedule the Cards kept during the day after a cross-country flight. After about 30 minutes to check into their rooms, they headed down to a 45 minute media session followed by a trip to One Buc Place to check out their practice home (and even take in a light run through from what I'm told) for Super Bowl XLIII. They didn't get back to crash at the hotel until well after 7pm. Being the underdog might be a fine label for them, but they're making a point already to avoid acting like one.

January 17, 2009 Raheem's Regime

Jon Gruden is out. 32 year old Raheem Morris is in. The irony surrounding this situation is amazing. Back in 2002 when all informed opinions were sure the Bucs would hire Steve Mariucci to succeed Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden was hired in clandestine fashion, in the 11th hour, by the Glazers. Gruden was the young, up and comer that represented the future of the league. Just seven years later, here comes the deja vu. But in all the eery similarities, there is a big difference. Gruden had head coaching experience and the Glazers paid dearly to get him (They will also pay to let him go). Morris has no NFL head coaching experience - only the rep for mastering his assignments, moving up quickly through the team, and a vibe that he has what it takes. All very important things. All building blocks of a great coach. But again, with no head coaching experience, he is a gamble.

Is he ready to lead a former Super Bowl champ back to glory? Can he be another Mike Tomlin? From current players, from his own supervisors, there's reason to believe he can. But given his lack of head coaching experience, there are also many reasons to believe he can't. To the Glazer's credit, I agree after four of six lack luster Decembers, change was in order. I can't see them just falling to follow an NFL fad of hiring young coaches. But that doesn't mean they make the most perfect decisions. Whether or not Raheem can give fans what Gruden ultimately couldn't... will he really know what to do in situations he's never experienced? If he does, he'll be a rock star just like Chucky was in January 2003. But that, my friends, will be the big wait and see.

January 16, 2009 Gruden Gone

Sudden. Shocking. These are the words that come to mind in the move that stunned Tampa Bay Friday. But should it really? Should the Glazer's firing of head coach Jon Gruden and General Manager Bruce Allen really be a shock? I must say I was surprised after a 16-22 record in December that something wasn't done sooner... but I also know that the Glazer's don't do anything quickly. They make decisions with great thought and always, always with a plan in place. Joel Glazer said they took their time and wanted to make sure they made an unemotional decision and this is what they came up with. You can't really argue. All you can do is wonder abou the plan that will unfold now. Tony Dungy, Mike Shanahan, Raheem Morris are some of the names thrown around. Let's hope the Glazers chose the right one.

December 9, 2008 Defensive Dip

Well, I think this is what I meant below. The Bucs defense has been so strong this season, in my opinion, it's what has carried this team to 9-3. Actually, the defense hadn't had a really bad game all season. That's until Monday night at Carolina. They should be allowed to have a lapse once in a while. They deserve it. But that's when the offense needs to step up. Despite an incredible 200 yard game from Antonio Bryant, the offense seemingly got shown up without the "D" to bail them out. That will keep them from going deep into a postseason. First thing's first: let's see what happens in Atlanta.

December 1, 2008 Bucs Big Surprise

Up until Sunday's game, I have to admit I really wasn't sure about these 2008 Buccaneers. That redzone offense wasn't exactly taking me by storm. I honestly felt like they were winning with smoke, mirrors, and lucky breaks. On defense, they've have been huge, I'll give them that. But now with four victories in a row, are they just that good, or are the teams they're playing that bad? I guess, the Bucs are just that good. Afterall, New Orleans scored 51 points on Green Bay. I don't think anyone would have predicted the Bucs to be sitting at 9-3. But here they are and they only seem to be getting better- which is exactly what they need to be doing at this point. Do I still feel like a team like Dallas can expose them if they cross paths in the playoffs? Hmm. Check back after Carolina :0

November 29, 2008 Bafflin' Bolts

Ok, remember that new plan we hoped to see for the Lightning? Just letting it tank under Tocchet isn't the answer...

November 22, 2008 Hometown Hero

This past week, I was blessed to have the chance to do one of my favorite types of stories. Even moreso, I had the honor of meeting Marine Cpl. Scott Halisky, raised in Clearwater, and just back from serving our country on a nine month tour in Iraq. Scott is trying to make a comeback (once signed by the Orioles but injured and released) to pro baseball, and even while completing his grim but honorable missions as a mortuary specialist in Iraq, he was working out and preparing to try and take a stab at his dream when he returned to the States. I first covered this story back in May by doing a satellite interview with Scott during his deployment and was truly impressed with his grace, grit, and character, not just as a soldier, but as a person. I met back up with Scott to meet his warm, wonderful family (he's one of eleven children) on Wednesday, then followed him Thursday as he got advice on his progress from some major league reps. I was further inspired by his example and proud to have the chance to share his story with you.

I like to believe that stories that connect with us shouldn't all be about the glamour, money, and excitement of the sometimes shallow stage of pro sports. So many go deeper, showing the strength and courage one gathers to try and get there, and to any goal for that matter, whether he or she makes it or not. At 31 years old, Scott knows his chances, but that's not stopping him from trying his hardest, no matter the circumstances, before he gets that final answer. He has a backup plan, but also a deep faith, and knows he'll be better for the journey. And so will we, by learning from him.

Click here to see Scott's story on 10 Connects and send him your comments. A huge thank you to my friends Beau, Tom, and Don Zimmer for your part in Thursday's workout. You are so appreciated.

November 15, 2008 Bolts Bail on Barry

Wow. This one came out of the blue. I mean we knew they were struggling, but bail on a brand new head coach 16 games in? A head coach you placed with an almost entirely new team that's still getting to know each other? A head coach brought in, in seemingly grand fashion, to replace a beloved Stanley Cup winner? Something must have been unraveling pretty deeply in that lockerroom to pull the plug so quickly. I say Melrose (and, really, anyone in that position under those circumstances) just needed more time, but if Lightning management thinks this is the best move, they obviously have info we don't. But they also must know a new plan needs to take action soon. Otherwise, they just might look like they don't know what they're doing.

November 12, 2008 Maddon Manager of the Year

We called this one back in June, didn't we? But anyone can say it was no stretch. Joe Maddon is the AL Manager of the Year, the first manager to come up one vote short in 14 years and the fourth overall. I'm really happy for Joe, and even more so- knowing personally what a great person he is- and also for the way he found out- honeymooning in Italy! Talk about a great way to celebrate :) I'd be remiss not to mention Lou Piniella's NL win. He may not have been the right fit for the Rays, but Sweet Lou is and will always be one of baseball's best. How ironic that two historic influences on the organization are honored the same way, the same year. Seems meant to be.

November 8, 2008 R & R

Still crazy to think I was covering baseball in October- and even crazier- here in Tampa Bay. What an incredible experience. I'm beginning six days off to rest and relax. What's a sports anchor do on down time? Yes I do watch sports, that's why I'm in this biz.. but not too crazy- because I'm around it all the time. Things change for you as a sports fan when you actually cover sports as a living. But I do catch myself still checking scores, keeping my eye open. I just do it lounging on my couch instead! It is the Bucs' off week so that gives me a break too. I try to stay away from computers and writing--helps me feel totally recharged when I return.

November 1, 2008 World Series Wrap

Stay tuned for more behind the scenes pictures of our World Series adventure with 10Connects... efforting from all the personal cameras. Sorry I have to rank getting laundry done after parts of two weeks away over blogging...

October 30, 2008 Rankin' the Rays

I've covered Superbowls, the NHL Finals, NBA Playoffs, and Rosebowls. And while the Lightning's Stanley Cup run was one of my highlights here in Tampa Bay- in seeing an area rally around a team, I say this ALCS and World Series with the Rays beats all. The Lightning weren't a huge surprise in 2004, but the Rays were, hands down, baseball's story of the year. Honestly, it couldn't have happened to a better group of people. It was great working with the team and its combination of truly professional, pleasant personalities. Even nicer to know it's likely they'll all be back.

Going in, I really felt like the Rays were going to pull Game 5 out, and send the series back to the Trop for at least Game 6. But seeing the way their bats never fully entered this series, I'm not surprised the Phillies won. What is surprising is how close (outside of that 10-2 loss in Game 4) the Rays kept this thing considering it was obvious to anyone who follows them that they were so off their game the whole week.

My take? I think the Red Sox series in Boston was really the Rays' version of the World Series. And for most fans too. When they escaped Fenway in Game 5 and beat the Sox in Game 7, an astronomical weight of years of losing was lifted off this franchise and frankly, in my opinion, the guys were spent. That's why it wasn't time for them to win a World Series yet. But it was time to believe they could get there and to know how to do it. Now they do.

October 29, 2008 Do or Die, Take 2

The strangest part of all here- is how this is only a three inning game now. Who's got the advantage? The Phillies with their rested bullpen or the Rays who seem to hold the figurative shift in momentum?I like the Rays, but they must jump up quick. If they fall behind too fast to that potent Phils lineup, Philadelphia will erupt in its own historic celebration tonight.

Final thought: If the Rays do lose this tonight, disappointment is understandable. But what a fight they have waged, what a fantastic season. Just to put it all in perspective, check out this Rays ALCS video tribute 10 Connects viewer, Kyle, sent me this week. Thanks, Kyle!

October 28, 2008 Soaked Series

In the most bizarre twist of events, we are still waiting for Game 5 to finish. What a crazy night. I've never seen such conditions around a game of that magnitude and agree that baseball had to stop that game. Should they have started in the first place? Absolutely. The first three innings were not that bad. The wind was probably the biggest factor at that point, but we all know they don't stop games because of that.

A few notes from the miniscule spare time I managed on the rainout night in downtown Philadelphia (thanks to my USC sorority sista Melissa as my intown guide): Really liked Monks Belgian Cafe and our later stop at Smith's. I could bring up the Fliers Lounge at the hotel, but maybe that's best kept a local secret :)

October 27, 2008 Do or Die

They're down 3-1, but I'm not ready to count the Rays out. Only because of what I've seen all season. Whenever it looked like a collapse was certain, they'd turn around and surprise us all. That's not to say they won't lose tonight. And if they do, it will be deserved, plain and simple. At this point, they're simply not playing well enough to stop the Phillies. But that doesn't mean they can't.

Right now, the Red Sox are on the Rays' mind. Players told me after last night's game that they are thinking about how Boston waged that comeback against them, down 3-1 in the ALCS. They know if the Sox could do it, so can they. "Why not us?" said Carlos Pena. The challenge is certainly steep facing Hamels again. But then again, so was making this World Series in the first place.

October 26, 2008 Pressure's On

We got back to the hotel about 4 am after the post midnight finale in Philly. This one was tough. We got a good dose of the homerun power that brought the Phils this far and the relentlessness that carried the Rays. But I can't say it wasn't a well played game on both sides. This game is what the Fall Classic is all about and should be about. And... its so cool to see such an evenly matched series for once, y'know?

October 25, 2008 Here Comes the Rain

9:40 pm- Play Ball. With the wind still blowing and the rain still pouring, they pulled the tarp off the field. Less than 30 minutes later, Game 3 was on. Skies eventually cleared and, wow, we saw another classic showdown unfold.

One cool moment in the rain delay: Ran smack into country music star Tim McGraw (I am such a fan of his and of Faith's), who was there to present the ceremonial first pitch to Steve Carlton to commemorate the Phils' 1980 World Series win. All I can say is he was awesome to do a quick, totally impromptu interview with us. Much taller in person, by the way, and absolutely charming. Thanks Tim!

6:30 pm- Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig decides the game will see at least a one hour rain delay.

4pm- Rain seems to have picked up a bit along with the wind but Major League Baseball seems confident they will still play a game tonight. They believe skies will clear by game time. I'm bundling up now and heading over to Citizens Bank Park. Check back with us here at 10Connnects for updates. Reg and I will also have the latest throughout our one hour Rays Special tonight from 7 to 8 PM on WTSP Channel 10.

1 pm-Kinda looked like it stopped, or so I thought. I stepped out for a minute to check. Nope. Still coming down. The dark gray clouds are going nowhere anyway. It's not a pouring, but a misty yet penetrating flow. I understand they can play in this stuff but its Commissioner Bud Selig's call. Even if the rain lets up, it only takes a moment to feel how the northeast whipping wind could be a factor in each of these three games.

11 am- A steady, almost see-through rain has been going steady for almost an hour now. So the forecast of a 90 percent chance was dead on. Game 3's dilemma: Some reports predict it won't clear out until well after game time. How late will Major League Baseball start a World Series game? That's the $64K question today.

October 24, 2008 Freezin' in Philly

I grabbed about three hours of sleep after that Game 2 win and headed straight to Philadelphia. We arrived this afternoon with just enough time to throw our bags in the hotel and sprint to Citizens Bank Park,a beautiful outdoor stadium built about four years ago, and the second site of this 2008 World Series.

Okay, first off, I'm so glad I bought that long wool coat I wished I had in Boston but wasn't sure I'd need in Philly. I'd forgotten how cold 50 degrees (and falling) with a wind chill can feel. Kinda whips through you before you realize how cold you actually are. After we watched the Rays' workout and finished our 6 pm report, our crew completed our second wish of this trip besides witnessing a Rays' World Series win and staying warm: Eating a classic Philly Cheesecake compliments of Talk of the Town on Broad Street. In a word? Phenomenal.

So what's the vibe here in Philly on the game? Sure, there are your screaming Phillies fans on every block, but even so, there seems to be an ever so slight air of negativity toward the hometown team and its lack of offensive production after one loss. Phils manager Charlie Manuel says he thinks they're trying too hard, and it made me think how entirely opposite, win or lose, the Rays have been. "If we'd ever tried to get where we are, we'd have never done it," first baseman Carlos Pena told me after a Rays' ALCS win in Boston. By not pressing, by not trying, and just playing their game, the Rays have figured out what makes them tick. Now, can keep that clicking to win a World Series?

October 23, 2008 All Tied Up

Just when you're tempted to count the Rays out, they remind you how foolish you are for it. That wasn't something I did, but I could certainly understand how frustrating the Rays looked in Game 1 compared to the workman-like effort of the Phils. But even in the Rays' worst moments, somehow this magical season, you get the impression it can go either way. And in that case, I'd bet on the Rays every time.

What I liked about this game was how it began very much like the night before - but in reverse- with the Rays jumping out and attempting to take control. Unlike the Phils start Wednesday, no long ball from the Rays Thursday- ground outs and squeeze plays-got the job done.

The Rays' key now: Continue to keep the Phils (a team whose 18 of 43 runs this postseason have been homeruns) from hitting another homer hotstreak.

October 21, 2008 Crowded waiting room

Maybe it's those 11 years in the MLB basement that make things cloudy. Very understandable. But Rays fans who feel they've waited forever for a World Series season need to actually feel blessed. That's because this year's opponent is even crankier about waiting, and even hungrier about winning. The Philadelphia Phillies haven't been to a World Series in 15 years and they've only won one of five in their 126 year history. Ouch. 126 years. Growing up in central PA, I was always around (even related to- hi cousins Rob & Dave!) gobs of Philly fans. I experienced the area's elation from that 1980 title. As a kid, it seemed Mike Schmidt should run for President, he was as popular, and almost royalty, in those parts.

Waiting isn't new to anybody here. So, let the showdown begin.

*oh by the way... the team the Phils beat in '80, the then expansion Kansas City Royals- making their World Series debut in their 11th year. Roll those Twilight Zone tunes now...

October 20, 2008 What'd ya know, a World Series

I sat at Tropicana Field in the moments before Game 7 searching for a gut feeling and finding none. Each game of this ALCS I had felt some instinct of which way the night would go, and even if I ended up wrong, at least I'd felt something. Not this time. Nothing. Not good. Not bad. Just pure anticipation and wonderment. As the game unfolded, that old sense of amazement slowly returned inning by inning, then later, out by out, as I realized, just as we all have each juncture of this road, that this World Series thing was really going to happen. Watching the ensuing celebration is now one of my most special sports memories. Click here to see my postgame interview with Rays DH Cliff Floyd.

The critics said Joe had undermanaged by not holding a pre-game team meeting or finding the right inspirational words to impart to his young players who'd never been there before. Turns out, Joe knew exactly what he was doing, as he has all season, and that's in knowing how to handle this team. That no words were needed -was the motivation itself.

So let's leave Joe alone this World Series. Let him manage the way he manages (or undermanages, as some say) and let what happens happen. Sure, you may scratch your head with frustration a few times like you did back in Game 5 in Boston, but I'm banking on the fact we just might be impressed again. Regardless, the Tampa Bay Rays turnaround is complete. That's why no matter what happens in the next 7 games and 9 nights, with the MLB's soon to be Manager of the Year behind them, the Rays have already proven all they need to prove this season.

October 19, 2008 Game Seven

As much as we thought the Rays would breeze through this series when they were up 3-1, should we really be surprised that the Boston Red Sox have tied this thing up? Absolutely not. And I don't mean to infer those first two wins in Boston were a fluke -in any way- because the Rays played two phenomenal games. The Red Sox did not. But going into Boston, even the Rays would have to honestly say they were simply hoping to steal one (or two at the most) at formidable Fenway. We are talking about the defending champs afterall and the team that barely lost the division title to the Rays in the regular season. So it shouldn't be a surprise the series came back to the Trop. The only letdown so far, I feel, was Game 6. But no time to pout. Now, this is where we see how the young team has come.

October 15, 2008 Walkin' thru History

Today was one of my favorite days in a travel city in my career and it had nothing to do with a ballgame or even a ball park. It's the Rays' off day here and we hooked up with Tampa Bay outfielder Fernando Perez as he headed to lunch at The Union Oyster House, the oldest known restaurant in the nation, located along Boston's aptly named Freedom Trail. From the moment you enter this five-building landmark, you are enveloped in early American history, in fact, 260 years of it- and that's a subject I happen to love. From rooms where our founders discussed the details of developing a young country- to the booth where JFK frequented as a young senator, Fernando and I were equally impressed by the trip back in time and grateful for a personal tour from owner Joe Milano. What a rare treat- I won't forget. Overall, our stay was short and filled with work, but it didn't take long to see that Boston is a terrific city. I can't wait to get a chance to go back. Click here to see my story with Fernando Perez at the Union Oyster House.

October 14, 2008 Relentless Rays

On a last minute schedule change I headed to Boston to cover the remainder of the Rays trip to Fenway this series. What an experience covering tonight's game that the Rays won 13-4. Who would of expected another dominating performance at such a tough park? This was my first trip to Fenway, Green Monster and all, and I, who did not grow up a Red Sox fan in any way, was truly in awe of the character and aura the entire stadium emits as you observe the sounds, sights, and smells of the game. There is an unmistakable feeling of history that seems almost tangible. It literally feels like it surrounds you.

Seeing how the Rays are handling such hostile territory with stakes so high is neat. The focus they're showing is the most impressive element. They shouldn't change anything they're doing or thinking from waking up to going to sleep. Whatever flow they're feelin' sure is working.

October 6, 2008 More History Makin'

I wanted to wait a few days to blog, to kinda hang out and see how these scrappy Rays would handle themselves in the first round of their first ever baseball playoffs. Maybe I didn't want to jinx them. I just wanted to watch. Considering the fact they just (an hour ago) wrapped up their first ever ticket to the ALCS, hmm.. they're doing just fine. Am I surprised? Not really, not after watching how commanding they were at the Trop in Games 1 and 2. And why not? Why not them? It's been the attitude of players all season and it's why Tampa Bay is where it is right now- splashing champagne all over another visiting clubhouse. They're too young to know they're not supposed to be doing this, veteran Cliff Floyd said earlier this week. And nobody's gonna tell them now.

A.J.'s Archive:

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